Domenico Guidi facts for kids

Domenico Guidi (1625 – March 28, 1701) was an important Italian sculptor during the Baroque period. He created many beautiful statues and artworks that are still admired today.

Monument to Grand Master Nicolas Cotoner by Domenico Guidi, at the Chapel of Aragon, Saint John's Co-Cathedral.

Growing Up and Learning Art

Domenico Guidi was born in Carrara, Italy. When he was young, he moved to Naples to live with his uncle, Giuliano Finelli. Giuliano was also a famous sculptor.

In 1647, there was a rebellion in Naples. Domenico had to leave and went to Rome. There, he joined the workshop of Alessandro Algardi. Algardi was a big rival of another famous sculptor, Gianlorenzo Bernini. Domenico stayed with Algardi until his master passed away.

While working with Algardi, Domenico also collaborated with another student named Ercole Ferrata. For example, they both helped finish a statue called Vision of Saint Nicholas. They completed it in 1655 for the church of San Nicola da Tolentino.

Becoming a Master Sculptor

After Algardi died in 1654, Domenico Guidi started working on his own. He also worked closely with a French sculptor in Rome, Pierre-Etienne Monnot. Domenico was very busy and created many sculptures.

Some of his famous works include the Monument to Natale Rondinini. This was made in 1657 and can be found in the Santa Maria del Popolo church. He also created a relief sculpture called Lamentation over the dead body of Christ. This artwork was finished between 1667 and 1676.

Angel with the lance

Supporting French Art

Domenico Guidi was a big supporter of the French Academy in Rome. This was a place where French artists could study and work in Italy.

He had the special honor of creating a marble sculpture for King Louis XIV of France. This artwork was called La Renommée écrivant l'histoire du Roi, which means "Fame Writing the History of the King." It was sent to the Palace of Versailles and placed in the beautiful park there.

His Artistic Style

Domenico Guidi was very skilled at carving marble. His sculptures show a calm and classic style, much like his teacher Algardi. However, some people feel that his designs were not as exciting as those of his master.

He was even chosen by Bernini, a very famous sculptor, for a special project. Domenico helped sculpt one of the angels for the Ponte Sant'Angelo bridge in Rome.

See also

In Spanish: Domenico Guidi para niños